Siem Reap vs Phnom Penh
Detailed side-by-side comparison of living costs, infrastructure, safety, and nomad lifestyle.
🏆 Who Wins?
💰
Best Budget
Siem Reap
🌐
Fastest Internet
🤝 Tie
🔥
Best Vibe
🤝 Tie
🛡️
Safest City
🤝 Tie
🌿
Cleanest Air
Siem Reap
🚶
Most Walkable
🤝 Tie
🏆 Overall Winner: Siem Reap
| Metric |
Siem Reap
Cambodia |
Phnom Penh
Cambodia |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Monthly Budget & Costs | ||
| Total Est. Budget | $850 | $1000 |
| 1-Bed Center Rent | $450 | $500 |
| Coworking Desk | $100 | $100 |
| Local Meal | $4 | $3.5 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 | $2.5 |
| Gym Membership | $40 | $40 |
| Transport Budget | $50 | $50 |
| 💻 Workspace & Infrastructure | ||
| Internet Speed | 30 Mbps | 30 Mbps |
| Nomad Vibe | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| 🌿 Quality of Life & Culture | ||
| Safety Index | 60/100 | 60/100 |
| Healthcare Quality | Average | Average |
| English Proficiency | Average | Average |
| Climate Type | Tropical monsoon | Tropical monsoon |
| Best Time to Visit | Nov - Feb | Nov - Feb |
Siem Reap
👍 Pros
- Very affordable cost of living
- Rich cultural heritage with Angkor Wat
- Friendly local community
- Plenty of cafes and coworking spaces
- Easy access to temples and nature
- Growing digital nomad scene
👎 Cons
- Hot and humid climate most of the year
- Frequent power outages
- Limited healthcare facilities
- Tap water is not drinkable
- Poor road infrastructure
- Visa runs required every 30 days
🛂 Nomad Visas
- ▪ Tourist visa (30 days, extendable)
- ▪ Ordinary visa (E-class, 30 days)
- ▪ Business visa (1 year multiple entry)
Phnom Penh
👍 Pros
- Extremely low cost of living
- Friendly and welcoming locals
- Delicious street food and local cuisine
- Growing expat and digital nomad community
- Visa on arrival and easy visa extensions
- Rich history and cultural attractions
👎 Cons
- Chaotic traffic and frequent gridlock
- Poor air quality during dry season
- Tap water is unsafe to drink
- Limited nightlife compared to Bangkok or Saigon
- Occasional power outages and construction noise
- Corruption and bureaucracy can be frustrating
🛂 Nomad Visas
- ▪ Visa on arrival
- ▪ eVisa
- ▪ Business visa (E-class)